Utility belt

ABSTRACT

A utility belt for carrying at least one tool which is used in securing generally thin promotional sheet materials to a rigid structure includes an elongated member having a first end portion, a second end portion, a middle portion and a buckle connecting the first end portion and the second end portion together when the elongated member is worn around a waist of a user. An elongated strap has a pair of opposed ends each attached to the elongated member. A holder adapted for holding such at least one tool and having at least a semi-rigid shape is attached to the elongated strap or directly to the elongated member in one of a semi-permanent and permanent fashion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to and claims priory from Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/672,146 filed Apr. 15, 2005.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to utility belts and, moreparticularly, this invention relates to utility belts for carrying toolssuch as a hand-held staple gun, desktop stapler, adhesive tape andhand-held tape dispenser which are commonly used for securing generallythin promotional sheet materials to a rigid structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As is generally well known, promotional information can includeadvertisement for concerts, political events, notice of public events,store sales and offerings and the like. The promotional information maybe distributed in the form of a generally thin single sheet material,typically measuring 8.5 inches in width and 11.00 inches in height orthe size of the standard sheet of paper.

A single sheet may be given to a single member of the public targeted toreceive such promotional information of may be placed in a location forview by a large number of individuals. The promotional information maybe further distributed in a form of a large poster which is generallyattach to a rigid structure such as a post, fence, window and the like.Adhesive tape, hand-held tape dispenser, hand-held staple gun, anddesktop stapler are commonly used in attaching and securing suchpromotional materials to the rigid structure.

Accordingly, these tools must be carried and must be convenientlyaccessible by the individual charged with placement of promotionalmaterials. Presently, these tools are usually loosely carried in a bagor are placed directly into a trunk of a vehicle and extra effort mustbe exerted to locate such tools and deliver them to the location ofplacement of such promotional materials. The problem is furthermagnified if such individual must carry these tools in order to coverlarge distances by way of walking. Furthermore, it is desirable toeliminate undesirable bending associated with placing these tools onto aground surface in order to attach such promotional material to the rigidstructure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment, the invention provides a utility belt forcarrying at least one tool which is used in securing generally thinpromotional sheet materials to a rigid structure. The utility beltincludes an elongated member having a first end portion, a second endportion and a middle portion. A fastening means connects the first endportion and the second end portion when the elongated member is wornaround a waist of a user. An elongated strap has a pair of opposed endseach permanently attached to the elongated member. A holder is providedfor holding such at least one tool. The holder has at least a semi-rigidshape. There is a means at least engageable with the holder forreleasably attaching it to the elongated strap.

According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided autility belt for carrying at least one tool which is used in securingpromotional materials to a rigid structure. The utility belt includes anelongated member having a first end portion, a second end portion and amiddle portion. A fastening means connects the first end portion and thesecond end portion when the elongated member is worn around a waist of auser. A holder is provided for holding such at least one tool. Theholder has at least a semi-rigid shape. There is a means at leastengageable with the holder for releasably attaching it to the elongatedmember.

According to yet another embodiment, the invention provides a holder forholding a tool which is used in securing generally thin promotionalsheet materials to a rigid structure. Such holder includes a frontpanel, a rear panel, a pair of side panels connecting the front panel tothe rear panel, and a bottom panel closing one end of the holder. Aninternal compartment is formed by a combination of the front panel, therear panel, the pair of side panels and the bottom panel. Thecompartment has at least a semi-rigid predetermined shape for receivingsuch tool. An attachment means engageable with a portion of the rearpanel is provided for attaching the holder to a belt worn around a waistof a user.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention toprovide a utility belt for carrying tools which are commonly used forsecuring generally thin promotional sheet materials to a rigidstructure.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a utility beltthat enables comfort and convenience in carrying tools commonly used forsecuring generally thin promotional sheet materials to a rigidstructure.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a utility beltthat prevents the tools commonly used for securing generally thinpromotional sheet materials to a rigid structure from dislodging orfalling out.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a utility beltthat is durable.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a toolholder for a utility belt which is mountable in a semi-permanent orpermanent fashion.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a toolholder that is selectively shaped for carrying a tool commonly used forsecuring generally thin promotional sheet materials to a rigidstructure.

In addition to the several objects and advantages of the presentinvention which have been described with some degree of specificityabove, various other objects and advantages of the invention will becomemore readily apparent to those persons who are skilled in the relevantart, particularly, when such description is taken in conjunction withthe attached drawing Figures and with the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a utility belt according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the utility belt taken along thelines 2-2 of FIG. 1, particularly illustrating a tool holder of oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is partial front elevation view of a utility belt according toanother embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of a tool holder according to anotherembodiment of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Prior to proceeding to the more detailed description of the presentinvention, it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity andunderstanding, identical components which have identical functions havebeen identified with identical reference numerals throughout the severalviews illustrated in the drawing figures.

Reference is now made, to FIGS. 1-4, wherein there is shown a utilitybelt, generally designated 10, for carrying at least one tool which isused in securing generally thin promotional sheet materials to a rigidstructure. As it well known, such tools include but are not limited to ahand-held staple gun 2 as disclosed for example in U.S. Pat. No.5,328,075 to Marks, a desktop stapler 4 as disclosed for example in U.S.Pat. No. 6,918,525 to Marks, adhesive tape 6 and a hand-held tapedispenser 8 as disclosed for example in U.S. Pat. No. 6,159,328 toGaikowski et al. The teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 5,328,075; U.S. Pat. No.6,918,525; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,159,328 are incorporated into thisdocument by reference thereto.

Such utility belt 10 includes an elongated member 20 having a first endportion 22, a second end portion 24 and a middle portion 26. A fasteningmeans, generally designated 30, is engageable with the elongated member20 for connecting the first end portion 22 and the second end portion 24when the elongated member 20 is worn around a waist of a user (notshown).

By way of example in FIG. 1, such fastening means 30 is illustrated as abuckle 32 attached to the first end portion 22 and a plurality of spacedapart apertures 34 formed in the second end portion 24. Other fasteningmeans 40 will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant arm form.Preferably, a width of the middle portion 26 is greater than a width ofeach of the first and second end portions 22 and 24, respectively, inorder to provide additional support to the lumbar area of the user (notshown). It is further preferred that at least the middle portion 26 ispadded for comfort of the user (not shown) of such utility belt 10.

An elongated strap 40 has a pair of opposed ends 42 and 44, eachpermanently attached to the elongated member 20, preferably to themiddle portion 26 thereof, generally by sewing.

A material of each of the elongated member 20 and the elongated strap 40may be one of leather, soft plastic, canvas, cloth and variouscombinations thereof, and enabling durability of such belt 10 during anextended use.

A holder, generally designated 50, is provided for holding such at leastone tool 2. The holder 50 at least includes a front panel 52, a radiallyopposed rear panel 54, a pair of side panels 56 connecting the frontpanel 52 to the rear panel 54 and a bottom panel 58 closing one end ofthe holder 50.

An internal compartment 60 is therefore formed by a combination of thefront panel 52, the rear panel 54, the pair of side panels 56 and thebottom panel 58, wherein the compartment 60 has at least a semi-rigidshape for receiving such at least one tool. It will be appreciated thatwhen such tool is a hand-held staple gun 2 which has a generallyrectangular housing and a squeeze lever pivotally connected to suchhousing and extending outwardly therefrom at an angle, the front panel52 and the rear panel 54 of the holder 50 may be tapered at apredetermined angle to minimize movement of such hand-held staple gun 2within the internal compartment 60.

By way of example, the front panel 52 may be about 7.5 inches in height,about 4.0 inches at its bottom edge disposed adjacent the bottom panel58 and about 5.5 inches at its top edge. The width of each side panel 56is about 1.25 inches. Preferably, in order to provide for convenience inremoving such hand-held staple gun 2, a portion thereof extends beyondthe top edge of the front panel 52.

Accordingly, when the tool is a desktop stapler 4, the holder 50 willhave a generally elongated shape adapted to minimize movement of suchdesktop stapler 4 within the internal compartment 60. The height of thefront panel 52 will be about 7.25 inches, while the width will be about2.25 inches. The width of each side panel 56 will be about 2.0 inches.

It will be appreciated that the shape of the internal compartment 60 ofthe tool holder 50 will be adapted accordingly to accommodate theadhesive tape 6 and the hand-held tape dispenser 8. For example, whenthe holder is used to receive the adhesive tape 6, the front panel 52will be about 4.25 inches in height and about 3.25 inches in width. Thewidth of each side panel 56 will be about 1.13 inches.

Furthermore, a second elongated strap 40, as best illustrated in FIG. 1,may be provided for convenience in attaching a plurality of holders 50onto the elongated member 20.

A material of the holder 50 may be one of leather, soft plastic, canvas,cloth and various combinations thereof, preferably forming at least asemi-rigid shape of such holder 50.

The utility belt 10 further includes a means, generally designated 70,which is at least engageable with the holder 50 for attaching it to theelongated strap 40.

According to a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, theattachment means 70 includes a first flap 72 which extends upwardly froma top edge of the rear panel 54 and is disposed generally parallel to asurface of the middle portion 26 of the elongated member 20 and a secondflap 74 forming a loop with the first flap 72 and extending downwardlytowards the bottom panel 58 of the holder 50. As best illustrated inFIG. 2, the second flap 74 is at least partially caged between theelongated strap 40 and the middle portion 26 of the elongated member 20.

A fastening means, generally designated 80, is provided for securing afree end of the second flap 74 to one of the first flap 72 and the rearpanel 54. According to one embodiment of the invention, best illustratedin FIGS. 2-3, such fastening means is a ssnap fastener 82 having a firstportion 82 a mounted to the free end of the second flap 74 and a secondportion 82 b mounted to such one of the first flap 72 and the rear panel54. Such ssnap fastener 82 may be also a magnetic fastener.

Alternatively, a hook and loop or hook and ssnap fastener 84 may beemployed for releasably securing a free end of the second flap 74 to oneof the first flap 72 and the rear panel 54. Accordingly, a first potion84 a will be attached to the free end of the second flap 74 and a secondportion 84 b will be attached to such one of the first flap 72 and therear panel 54.

The utility belt 10 may further include elongated strip 90, for securingthe tool within the internal compartment 60. In further reference toFIG. 2, such elongated strip 90 has a first portion 92 attached to therear panel 54, a middle portion 94 formed to cover at least a portion ofthe open end of the internal compartment 60 and an end portion 94secured to the front panel 52 with a releasable type hook and loopfastener 84 such as Velcro.RTM, wherein a first portion 84 a is attachedto one of the front panel 52 and the end portion 94 and a second portion84 b is attached to an opposed one of the front panel 52 and the endportion 94 of the elongated strip 90. Alternatively, hook and snapfastener, a magnetic fastener, and at least one ssnap fastener may beemployed for securing end portion 94.

According to another embodiment of the invention, best shown in FIG. 3,the holder 50 may be directly attached to the elongated member 20 in oneof a semi-permanent and permanent fashion. By way of example of FIG. 3,the holder 50 may include a simple flap 72 extending from the top edgeof the rear panel 54 and which is attached, in a semi-permanent fashion,to the elongated member 20 with any one of the releasable fastenersdescribed supra. Furthermore, the holder 50 may be fitted with a simplecontinuous loop 86 for wrapping around the elongated member 20 which isadvantageous when such elongated member 20 is a conventional belt. Sewlines 88 may be used to attach the holder 50 to the elongated member 20in a permanent fashion.

Thus, the present invention has been described in such full, clear,concise and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art towhich it pertains to make and use the same. It will be understood thatvariations, modifications, equivalents and substitutions for componentsof the specifically described embodiments of the invention may be madeby those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scopeof the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

1. A utility belt for carrying at least one tool which is used insecuring generally thin promotional sheet materials to a rigidstructure, said utility belt comprising: (a) an elongated member havinga first end portion, a second end portion and a middle portion; (b) afastening means for connecting said first end portion and said secondend portion together when said elongated member is worn around a waistof a user; (c) an elongated strap having a pair of opposed ends eachpermanently attached to said elongated member; (d) a holder for holdingsuch at least one tool, said holder having at least a semi-rigid shape;and (e) a means at least engageable with said holder for releasablyattaching it to said elongated strap.
 2. The belt, according to claim 1,wherein a width of said middle portion is greater than a width of eachof said first and second end portions.
 3. The belt, according to claim1, wherein at least said middle portion is padded.
 4. The belt,according to claim 1, wherein a material of each of said elongatedmember, said elongated strap and said holder is one of leather, softplastic, canvas, cloth and various combinations thereof.
 5. The belt,according to claim 1, wherein such at least one tool is a hand-heldstaple gun having a generally rectangular housing and a squeeze leverpivotally connected to such housing and extending outwardly therefrom,and wherein said holder is formed to minimize movement of such hand-heldstaple gun disposed therein.
 6. The belt, according to claim 1, whereinsuch at least one tool is a desktop stapler and said holder has agenerally elongated shape.
 7. The belt, according to claim 1, whereinsaid belt further includes a holder releasably attached to said strapfor holding a roll of adhesive tape.
 8. The belt, according to claim 1,wherein said belt further includes a holder releasably attached to saidstrap for holding a hand-held tape dispenser.
 9. The belt, according toclaim 1, wherein said holder includes: (a) a front panel; (b) a rearpanel; (c) a pair of side panels connecting said front panel to saidrear panel; and (d) a bottom panel closing one end of said holder. 10.The belt, according to claim 9, wherein said attachment means is a firstflap extending upwardly from a top edge of said rear panel and disposedgenerally parallel to a surface of said elongated member and a secondflap forming a loop with said first flap and extending downwardlytowards said bottom panel of said stapler holder, said second flap beingat least partially caged between said elongated strap and said surfaceof said elongated member.
 11. The belt, according to claim 10, whereinsaid belt further includes a fastening means for releasably securing afree end of said second flap to one of said first flap and said rearpanel.
 12. The belt, according to claim 11, wherein said fastening meansis one of a hook and loop fastener, a hook and snap fastener, a magneticfastener, and at least one ssnap fastener.
 13. The belt, according toclaim 9, wherein said belt further includes a means engageable with saidholder for releasably securing such at least one tool therein.
 14. Thebelt, according to claim 13, wherein said securing means includes anelongated strip having a first portion attached to said rear panel, amiddle portion formed to cover at least a portion of said open end ofsaid holder and an end portion secured to said front panel with areleasable type fastener.
 15. The belt, according to claim 14, whereinsaid releasable type fastener is one of a hook and loop fastener, a hookand snap fastener, a magnetic fastener, and at least one ssnap fastener.16. A utility belt for carrying at least one tool which is used insecuring promotional materials to a rigid structure, said utility beltcomprising: (a) an elongated member having a first end portion, a secondend portion and a middle portion; (b) a fastening means for connectingsaid first end and said second end together when said elongated memberis worn around a waist of a user; (c) a holder for holding such at leastone tool, said holder having at least a semi-rigid shape; and (d) meansengageable with a predetermined portion of said elongated member and apredetermined portion of said holder for attaching said it to saidelongated member.
 17. A holder for holding a tool which is used insecuring generally thin promotional sheet materials to a rigidstructure, said holder comprising: (a) a front panel; (b) a rear panel;(c) a pair of side panels connecting said front panel to said rearpanel; (d) a bottom panel closing one end of said holder; (e) aninternal compartment formed by a combination of said front panel, saidrear panel, said pair of side panels and said bottom panel, wherein saidcompartment has at least a semi-rigid predetermined shape for receivingsuch tool; and (f) a means engageable with a portion of said rear panelfor attaching said holder to a belt worn around a waist of a user. 18.The holder, according to claim 17, wherein said attachment means enablesattachment of said holder in one of a semi-permanent and permanentfashion.